Alonso’s Mejia picks FSU

Alonso High junior Ryan Mejia said Friday he has verbally committed to play baseball at Florida State.

Mejia, a 6-foot-2, 180-pound outfielder, hit .321 as a sophomore last season, with 13 runs and 12 RBIs as the Ravens finished 18-7.

Mejia said although he has been a longtime fan of the Seminoles, he had been trying to decide between FSU and Miami. He said after going on an unofficial visit to both schools that Tallahassee was the right fit for him.

“My whole life, my dream school has been Florida State,” Mejia said. “My whole family and I have been FSU fans and after visiting both schools (Florida State) just felt like home.”

Gaither’s Hodgens selects Penn State

Gaither senior Blake Hodgens verbally committed to Penn State.

The left-hander went 3-3 last season with a 2.08 ERA and 50 strikeouts in 48 innings for the 17-7 Cowboys.

The 6-1, 170-pounder said he has been a lifelong fan of the Nittany Lions as his mother, grandmother and grandfather are all Penn State alumni.

He said he first spoke with PSU coaches while playing with his travel team, SCORE International, this summer at the Perfect Game World Wood Bat National Championship in East Cobb, Ga. After a visit this summer, he was convinced to sign with the school

“I grew up a Penn State fan ... and I’ve gone to one football game every year,” Hodgens said. “I’ve always felt really comfortable there, so when they offered me on a visit I committed right away.”